Strong Spring Sales

Michigan Movers Association
SECOND Quarter 2012
IN THIS ISSUE:
ECONOMIC AND
REAL ESTATE TRENDS
PROPERTY AND
CASUALTY INSURANCE
EXPECTATIONS FOR 2012
HEALTH INSURANCE
INDUSTRY IN TURMOIL
WAREHOUSE LIEN FAQs
High Hopes for
Strong Spring Sales
BECOME A MICHIGAN
PROMOVER! PROGRAM DETAILS
NEW MEDICAL CERTIFICATION
REQUIREMENTS FOR CDLs
SENATE INTRODUCES
PROPERTY TAX PHASE OUT

website
improvements
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Michigan Movers Association
PRESIDENT Directors tariFF COMMITTEE
Dave Morse Andrew Androff Frank Malette
Andrew Boer
David Morse
VICE PRESIDENT Gary L. Bulson Timothy See
Johnna Struck Steven Denoyer Jon Sorber
Glen Edgett
Mike Steensma
SECRETARY Rob Felcher Paul Millenbach, MMA General Counsel,
Jon Sorber Ben Harris Foster Swift Collins & Smith, PC
Glenn Hummon
TREASURER
Dave Hunt
Morrie Stevens, Jr Scott Jensen
Blane Lagerman
PAST PRESIDENT Frank Malette
Timothy See
Dave Markley
Jeff Palmer
Michael Steensma
Mark White
Kenneth Woodworth
MICHIGAN MOVERS ASSOCIATION STAFF
EXECUTIVE MANAGER DIRECTOR OF FINANCE IT director
Donnelly K. Eurich Patrick Long Kyle Shumaker
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT & MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR
Emily Maurer
EDITORIAL INFORMATION
GRAPHIC ARTIST
Melissa Travis
The Carrier is a quarterly newsletter published by the MMA. MMA is a membership organization that promotes the interests
of Michigan Movers Association through, interaction, education, information and legislative advocacy. Advertising opportunities
are available. Acceptance of advertising does not imply endorsement or approval of the product or services advertised.
The MMA Board of Directors reserves the right to refuse any ad that they consider inappropriate and does not hold to the
standards and principles of the association. We accept unsolicited manuscripts but reserve the right to edit due to space
limitations. Opinions expressed by guest writers do not necessarily reflect views of the MMA or Eurich Management Services.
Please send address changes, membership inquiries, and advertising requests to MMA, 3225 W. St. Joseph, Lansing, Michigan
48917. Phone: (517) 327-9207, Fax: (517) 321-0495, Email: DonnE@eurich.com.
ADVERTISING INFORMATION
The newsletter is mailed to all MMA members and is produced quarterly. For ad submission deadlines and any questions
regarding advertising, call 517.327.9207.
BENEFits
siZES and single rates
• Cost effective Back Cover 7.5” x 10” $465
• Full design services Full Page 7.5” x 10” $435
• The only Michigan publication targeting the moving industry 1/2 Page 7.5” x 4.875” $230
• Editorial opportunities for your organization 1/4 Page 3.625” x 4.875” $155
• Generate sales in the classifieds
PRODUCTION SPECS
Trim size is 8.5x11. Live copy should be at least 1/2” from trim edge. Bleeds may be included on full page ads and must
extend 1/4” beyond trim size on all four sides. Preferred file formats: High resolution PDF or TIF. Those retaining graphic
design services should note that proofs will be submitted via email and should be returned to MMA within 24 hours with all
corrections noted on proof.
Watch for changes to the MMA website!
The MMA technology committee is working with
MMA staff this summer to upgrade and expand
the MMA website. Shippers will be able to search
for a mover geographically, and all MMA members
in that area will appear when shippers look for
assistance! More to follow.
MICHIGAN MOTOR CARRIER
ADVISORY BOARD
This Board serves in an advisory capacity to the Michigan Public Service
Commission on policy and procedural matters which impact the Michigan
trucking industry. The Board Members are appointed by the Commission
for a term of one year.
All meetings are open to the public and are held at the
MICHIGAN PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION
6545 Mercantile Way, Lansing, MI
Hearing Room A at 9:30 a.m.
2012 MEETING SCHEDULE
MAY 17, 2012
JULY 19, 2012
SEPTEMBER 20, 2012
NOVEMBER 15, 2012

PRESIDENT’S
MESSAGE
Dave Morse
Morse Moving and Storage
Spring is always an exciting time in the moving business. After
one of the mildest winters our State has seen in a while we still
look forward to summer. The State of Michigan is a great place to
be in the summer and it reminds us all why we continue to live
here and put up with the long winters. Let the phone ring, flowers
blossom, sun shine, let’s play some golf, get some fishing in and
enjoy an outstanding summer! I am excited about the upcoming
summer as the economy continues to improve in Michigan I predict
a strong and profitable summer for the movers in our state.
With regard to the Michigan Movers Association, we remain financially
stable. I have seen a few issues arise from some movers
in the state not following the 40-mile rule requiring any move in
excess of 40 miles to run under the intrastate tariff. The MPSC
and MSP will continue to follow up on any leads they receive
on this issue. Don’t forget even though we did not have a formal
rate increase in the tariff this year, if your company requires additional
revenue to handle moves in excess of 40 miles, you can file
an independent action — increasing rates up to 20% above the
Michigan Mover’s filed tariff. Please contact the Association office
to get the process started or to get more information on how to file
an independent action.
...IF YOUR COMPANY REQUIRES ADDITIONAL
REVENUE TO HANDLE MOVES IN EXCESS OF 40
MILES, YOU CAN FILE AN INDEPENDENT ACTION...
We are working on improving the website for our association. Andrew
Androff from Professional Movers and Frank Malette from
Frank the Mover make up a sub-committee heading this project
and I want to thank them for volunteering their time to do this.
We received survey results but are still attempting to get a larger
sampling of the association members. If you haven’t already taken
the survey please take time to do so.
Now let’s all get those tires on the pavement and make this an
outstanding summer in our state.
Thank you for allowing me to serve as your president and please
feel free to contact me with any concerns or question. Your inquiry
will receive my immediate attention.
SECOND Quarter 2012 3

ECONOMIC AND
REAL ESTATE TRENDS
BUSY SEASON PROSPECTS
The first quarter of the year is over, and it feels as if we have actually
completed an entire year. If you look at the numbers, the
stock market has already produced gains that were on the upper
end of predictions by analysts for the year. Oil prices have also hit
the price which was on the upper end of forecasts, though they
have eased back a bit as the quarter came to a close. Even interest
rates joined the party as we experienced moderate increases for
the first time in more than a year. This takes us to a very obvious
question. If the markets have performed a year’s worth of work
in three months, where do we go from here? For one thing, we
have not seen a year’s worth of economic growth. The gain of over
600,000 jobs for the quarter was strong, though the March numbers
were mixed with 120,000 jobs created but another drop in
the unemployment rate to 8.2%. We still have a long way to go in
order to recover the jobs lost due to the recession.
The real estate sector has a long way to go as well. One look at
real estate numbers shows that the market was basically flat in the
first two months of the year. On the other hand, these numbers
were up close to ten percent on a year-over-year basis. This is the
new normal. What we need to happen is for real estate to improve
another ten percent by the end of the year. Note we are not expecting
real estate to explode with activity, just a continuation of
expansion. We could easily lose the gains in the stock markets
and oil prices and rates could easily fall back to previous levels
if the economy does not progress from here. Don’t get us wrong.
The economy has improved significantly since the depths of the
recession. For example, auto sales hit their highest level in the
first quarter since early 2008. But the markets have built in these
improvements into the very optimistic first quarter of gains. The
second quarter’s economic numbers will be watched closely to
see if we are continuing to establish new benchmarks in our long
awaited recovery from the severe recession, rather than moving
into another lull in the recovery.
What we need to happen is for real
estate to improve another ten percent
by the end of the year.
More households are moving to East Coast states while leaving
Rust Belt states — the area in the U.S. between the Midwest and
the Northeast — where unemployment remains high, according
to the latest Atlas Lines Migration Patterns study, which has
tracked the nation’s moves since 1993. For the fifth year in a row,
Washington, D.C., had the highest percentage of inbound moves
while Ohio had the highest percentage of residents leaving, or
Outbound moves. Meanwhile, western states mostly stayed balanced
in moves for the year. Several southeastern states, such as
Florida and Georgia, also stayed balanced in moves despite high
foreclosure rates, possibly because they also serve as retirement
hot-spots, according to the survey. The summer months continued
to have the largest number of moves per season, according to
the survey. Source: Atlas Van Lines 2011 Migration Patterns.
Article source: National Home Lending, Livonia Michigan.
SECOND Quarter 2012 5

PROPERTY AND
CASUALTY INSURANCE
EXPECTATIONS FOR 2012
BY SKIP HOWEY
HOWEY & ASSOCIATES, INC.
Would you be surprised to hear that you can expect your insurance
rates for your Commercial Auto, Cargo, General Liability, Property,
Workers’ Compensation, and Umbrella Liability coverages to increase
in 2012? Unlike premium reductions you could have seen in
the past 8 years of the insurance industry’s “soft” market, this year’s
message is the same message you are hearing from other suppliers
— prices are increasing, typically at least 3%-8%.
In 2011, the insurance industry finished at 110%, which means
that for every dollar of premium collected, insurance companies
spent $1.10 in expenses. Consider the cost of property repairs
from natural disasters throughout the country, costly awards we
hear about from auto accidents or work-related injuries, and the
price of vehicle repairs from collision losses. Ultimately, those
claims and their costs affect all of us. Reinsurance carriers increase
their premium to your insurance companies, and State programs,
such as the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association, raise their
fees to cover their claim reserves. In addition, while the insurance
companies’ costs are rising, their investment income is down, so
policyholders feel the pain.
The good news is that while everyone’s costs will be affected, you
can do something to control your own costs. Now, more than
ever, focus should be placed on loss control within your operation.
Be pro-active in maintaining a well-trained, informed staff,
an engaged work attitude, a consistent, enforced safety program,
and involve your insurance company’s loss control specialists. It
is estimated that the largest majority of all claims involve human
error, which means that proper training is important and should
be ongoing, that claims, whether yours, a co-worker’s, or competitor’s,
should be profitable learning experiences, and that all
employees understand that the effectiveness of your safety program
ultimately affects your bottom line and their future as well.
You can be on the low end of the premium increase or you can
be at the other end of the spectrum; that determination is made
by an underwriter who evaluates your company’s claim history
and the quality of your safety program. First, the underwriter will
determine your company’s basic eligibility, then whether your
company is entitled to their best rate, an average rate, or a rate for
below-average performance. For example, if a Workers’ Compensation
manual rate is $10.00 per $100 of payroll, an excellent experience
modification of .75 and discretionary crediting from an
underwriter could bring it down to a rate of about $5.60. On the
other hand, a poor experience modification, such as 1.40, could
result in loss of crediting and a rate of $14.00 or more. A $5.00
rate or a $14.00 rate per $100 of payroll could make a significant
difference between your delivery costs and that of your competitors,
would you not agree? This is only one example for one of
your policies; there are more opportunities available.
Apart from an effective loss control and risk management program
to help you control your insurance premiums, another important
factor is the agent who provides your program. The moving
industry has special exposures that merit a specifically designed
program by insurance companies who can meet the coverage requirements
of the affiliates and deliver it competitively. What that
means to you is that your agent needs to know your industry and
have the markets that can meet the demands. His/her inexperience
in the moving business and/or the lack of insurance markets
with whom to place your coverage will work against you. Just as
we would recommend a professional mover rather than a neighbor
who owns a pickup truck to do a 10-room household move,
we would recommend that you entrust your commercial insurance
to a professional agent who has the experience, expertise,
and markets to handle your needs and your customers’ demands.
for more information about howey & associates, inc., SEE AD ON PAGE 10.
6 THE CARRIER

HEALTH INSURANCE
INDUSTRY IN TURMOIL
BY CHUCK POMERLEAU
INDUSTRIAL INSURANCE SERVICES, INC.
Group medical insurance coverage is nothing like it used to be.
The multitude of healthcare insurance companies, providers and
arrangements that employers use to have has vanished, perhaps
never to return. The few carriers and providers still offering employer
sponsored coverage has dwindled to just a few to say the
least. Will the presumed healthcare exchanges, if enacted, save
premiums dollars and deliver the quality of healthcare that we all
are accustomed to? Doesn’t it seem that all the meddling the government
has done over the past few years in healthcare has just
cost us more than we ever expected? Is there a future for employer
sponsored group medical coverage on a private basis?
Our mainstream medical insurance providers can be counted on
one hand in today’s Michigan marketplace. Providers such as Blue
Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network, Health
Alliance Plan and Alliance Health and Life, Priority Healthcare,
McLaren Health Plan and Total Healthcare make up most of all
of Michigan’s “managed care” providers. The commercial insurance
companies left like United Health Care and Humana and a
few others still use “medical underwriting” to qualify applicants
with good health in order to issue coverage. A healthcare agent
can help employers determine the best arrangement possible for
their employees.
through all the changes in order to effectively advise their clients.
Finding an agent that is qualified and well informed is getting
more difficult. There are less agents out there specializing in group
health as the market continues to dismantle and escalate in cost.
Other employer sponsored benefits continue without regulatory
issues. Benefits such as group Term Life, Disability, Dental, Vision
and various other medical ancillary products are still being sold
on a competitive basis. A good agent is who you can lean on for
the best advice and direction when it comes to these benefits for
your employees. The future for the group insurance agent has
become broader. Whether or not an agent can afford to continue
to specialize in group medical care is yet to be seen.
My opinions are self observant and reflective on the pasty twenty
years of specializing in group medical care. I suspect that there
will always be a need for a well informed health insurance agent
who has the desire to help their clients and the employees that
work for them obtain quality benefits at affordable prices.
for more information about industrial insurance services, inc., please SEE
AD ON PAGE 12.
Will the state’s future “healthcare exchange” offer employees and
employers a substantial premium dollar savings and deliver a
quality healthcare arrangement? Only time will tell, but history
shows us an escalating healthcare cost pushed by governmental
regulations. Why would anyone suspect that the newly developed
exchange plans be any less costly? I believe that cost will increase
for medical care in one form or another. Any premium savings
will be short lived as plans mature and claims are incurred. The
healthcare exchanges are developed for Michigan and if enacted
go into effect on January 1, 2014.
The role of the group healthcare agent has changed. Today’s agent
takes on the role of a consultant who informs employers and individuals
of their options. The agent needs to be able to navigate
SECOND Quarter 2012 7

WAREHOUSE
LIEN FAQ
QMust the items be placed for auction?
The Michigan statute governing the enforcement of warehouse
liens requires that in instances where the goods are stored
by a merchant in the course of his/her business, the sale may be
public or private at any time or place and on any terms which are
commercially reasonable, after notifying all persons known to claim
an interest in the goods. MCL 440. n 10(1). In instances where there
exists a warehouse lien on goods other than goods stored by a merchant
in the course of his/her business, the sale must be public and
by auction at a specified time and place. MCL 440. n 10(2) (c).
Q
PAUL MILLENBACH
FOSTER, SWIFT, Collins & smith pc
If conducting a private sale, does an ad have to be placed in the
newspaper?
Again, a private sale may only be conducted when the warehouse
has a lien on goods stores by a merchant in the course of his/her
business. In this instance, the sale can be private provided it is
held at a time and place and on terms which are commercially reasonable
after notifying all persons known to claim an interest in
the goods. The statute sets forth specific requirements if the notice
which include a statement of the amount due, the nature of the
proposed sale and the time and place of the sale. If the warehouse
sells the goods in the usual manner in any recognized market, or
sells the goods at the price current in such market at the time of
the sale, or if the goods are sold in conformity with commercially
reasonable practices among dealers in the types of goods sold, the
warehouse has sold in a commercially reasonable manner.
Q
Can the warehouse hold a “garage like” sale instead of an auction?
A “garage like” sale can only be held in instances where a private
sale is allowed, i.e. when there exists a lien on goods stored
by a merchant in the course of his business and with the proper
notification outlined above.
Q
Can the warehouse purchase or dispose of the stored items and call
it even?
Yes, but the warehouse must first satisfy the notice requirements
that all persons known to claim an interest must be notified and
such notification must be delivered in person or sent by registered
or certified letter to the last known address of any person
to be notified. In addition, the notice must include an itemized
statement of the claim, a description of the goods, and a demand
for payment within a specified time, not less than ten days after
receipt of the notification. The notice must also provide a statement
that unless the claim is paid within that time, the goods will
be advertised for sale and sold by auction at a specified time and
place. Only then can the warehouse purchase or dispose of the
stored items.
Q
Can the warehouse purchase the items without having a public sale?
Not until the notification and sale requirements are satisfied.
8 THE CARRIER

Q
What obligation does a warehouse have for selling items that have
no value?
The statute does not specifically address this scenario. However,
since it is a consumer-oriented statute, it is recommended that the
sale be held pursuant to statute as a warehouse could be liable for
damages caused by failing to comply with the sale requirements
and, in case of a willful violation, be held liable for conversion.
MCL 440.7210(9).
Q
Can the warehouse set a minimum price on items to be sold?
Yes. Nothing in the statute prevents minimum bids or minimum
pricing.
Q
Can the warehouse add the C0St of sale, ads, etc. to the
amount owed to the warehouse?
Yes. Any person claiming a right in the goods may pay the amount
necessary to satisfy the lien and reasonable expenses incurred.
MCL 440.7210(3).
Q
After a sale can the warehouse still attempt to collect from the
debtor for the balance after they give credit for sold items?
Yes. The rights provided in the warehousemen lien statute are in
addition to all other rights allowed by law to a creditor against his
debtor. MCL 440.7210(7).
Q
Can the warehouse charge interest on the balance? Is there a specified
percentage?
The warehousemen can only charge interest if it is included as
part of the warehouse receipt. The specified percentage is free to
be negotiated by the parties but must be included in the warehouse
receipt and not violate usury statutes.
Q
What kind of sale records should a warehouse keep and for how
long?
The statute does not require a specified period of time to keep records.
However, it is recommended that they be kept for a minimum of six
years, which is the statute of limitations on breach of contract claims.
Innovative
legal strategies
for the
moving industry
HELPING YOU CHOOSE THE BEST ROUTE
TO ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS
Customized counsel focused on today, with an eye on tomorrow.
Paul J. Millenbach | 248.539.9908 | pmillenbach@fosterswift.com
FOSTERSWIFT.COM
LANSING | FARMINGTON HILLS | GRAND RAPIDS | DETROIT | MARQUETTE | HOLLAND
SECOND FIRST Quarter 2012 9

BECOME A MICHIGAN
PROMOVER!
By now you are likely familiar with
AMSA’s ProMover Program which recognizes
and identifies quality professional
moving companies for the benefit of
consumers. The AMSA ProMover logo
represents certification for interstate
moves. We are proud to announce that the Michigan Movers Association
is partnering with AMSA to bring a Michigan ProMover
certification to movers who represent excellence in local and intrastate
moves.
Application Fees*
Members of both MMA and AMSA $210
Member of MMA only $300
* This does not include either MMA or AMSA membership dues.
The criteria to become a MMA ProMover in Michigan are similar
to the qualifications required by AMSA for interstate ProMover
approval. MMA membership is required to become a MMA Pro-
Mover in Michigan.
To apply for MMA ProMover in Michigan status and receive certification
for your intrastate and local moving excellence, please log
on to www.mimovers.org and click on the Michigan ProMover
Logo. You can download and complete the Michigan ProMover
Signatory Agreement and mail it to the MMA office with the appropriate
application fee and documentation of credentials. The
Michigan ProMover Agreement renews every September 1 so applications
received through August, 2012 will provide program
enrollment through August 31, 2013.
Please feel welcome to contact Donn Eurich at the MMA office or visit
www.mimovers.org for more information.
10 THE CARRIER

PROGRAM OVERVIEW
SECOND Quarter 2012 11

TARIFF
resources
The current Tariff 1000 and 4000 are
available on the MMA website at
www.mimovers.org.
Click on “Documents” then select
“MMA Tariff 1000 or Tariff 4000.”
Periodic updates to these documents
will be made as they are published.
If you have any questions,
please contact the
MMA office at (517) 327-9207.
12 THE CARRIER

NEW MEDICAL CERTIFICATION
REQUIREMENTS
FOR CDL HOLDERS
Starting January 30, 2012 and no later than
January 30, 2014, all CDL holders must
provide information to their State Driver
Licensing Agency (SDLA) regarding the
type of commercial motor vehicle operation
they drive in or expect to drive in with their
CDL. Drivers operating in certain types of
commerce will be required to submit a current
medical examiner’s certificate to their
SDLA to obtain a “certified” medical status
as part of their driving record. CDL holders
required to have a ”certified” medical status
who fail to provide and keep up-to-date
their medical examiner’s certificate with
their SDLA will become ”not-certified” and
they may lose their CDL.
may need to provide the SDLA with
a current medical examiner’s certificate
and any variance document.
• If the CDL holder, who does not
have a license renewal, upgrade or
transfer between January 30, 2012
and January 30, 2014, the following
must be done.
• Provide the SDLA with a self-certification
of operating status by January
30, 2014. And if required, provide
a current medical examiner’s
certificate and any variance document
by January 30, 2014.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
has a web page of information and
Q&A related to this subject: www.fmcsa.
dot.gov/registration-licensing/cdl/faqs.
aspx.
For specific State by State requirements
for drivers and information related to how
a State is handling the Medical Certification
requirements, and to determine who
to contact for additional information, visit
the following link: www.aamva.org/aamva/
DocumentDisplay.aspx?id={687D99D3-
FFB5-4B76-BD6F-F5EF54728BE0.
For a CDL holder to comply with the new
requirements for making his or her medical
certification part of their CDL driving
record, the CDL holder should do the following.
Starting on January 30, 2012, when the individual
applies for a CDL, renews a CDL,
applies for a higher class of CDL, applies for
a new endorsement on a CDL, or transfers a
CDL from another State:
• The individual will be required to
self-certify to a single type of commercial
operation on the driver license
application form. Based on
that self-certification, the individual
SECOND Quarter 2012 13

LEGISLATIVE
UPDATE
MICHIGAN SENATE INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO PHASE-OUT PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX
The Michigan Senate has unveiled an Administration-backed proposal
to immediately exempt small businesses from Michigan’s
burdensome business personal property tax and begin phase-out
of the tax on manufacturing equipment.
This $1.2 billion tax on Michigan job providers continues to make
Michigan uncompetitive for jobs — particularly among Great
Lakes states — most of whom exempt businesses from this complicated
and burdensome tax.
Highlights of the proposal include:
• Effective 12/31/12: Exempt small businesses with personal
property under $40,000 (per jurisdiction) in taxable value.
• Effective 12/31/15: Manufacturing property which is 10
years or older is 100% exempt.
• Manufacturing property purchased and placed in service
in Michigan after 12/31/11 would become 100% exempt
on 12/31/15.
• The proposal would be paid for (reimburse local governments)
using expiring business tax credits.
• Codify in statute the reimbursement “funds” for local governments,
provide reimbursement of 100% of personal
property tax revenue associated with debt, and full reimbursement
for personal property tax loss to the extent it
exceeds 2% of a local government’s budget.
The MMA will watch this bill package closely. The proposal consists
of 8 bills, all of which will be introduced in the House and
Senate. Hearings are expected to begin almost immediately.
ON-HIGHWAY RETAIL DIESEL PRICES
AVERAGE ALL TYPES, DOLLARS PER GALLON, INCLUDING ALL TAXES
CHANGE FROM
CHANGE FROM
4/2/12 4/9/12 4/16/12 A WEEK AGO A YEAR AGO
U.S. 4.142 4.148 4.127 -0.021 +0.022
East Coast 4.190 4.190 4.181 -0.009 +0.070
New England 4.262 4.278 4.269 -0.009 +0.057
Central Atlantic 4.280 4.282 4.280 -0.002 +0.051
Lower Atlantic 4.109 4.106 4.091 -0.015 +0.040
Midwest 4.042 4.055 4.021 -0.034 -0.047
Gulf Coast 4.049 4.063 4.038 -0.025 +0.005
Rocky Mountain 4.125 4.129 4.129 0.000 +0.003
West Coast 4.420 4.411 4.389 -0.022 +0.070

SAVE THE DATE!
91 st Annual
Convention &
Membership
Meeting
February 5–6, 2013
Greektown Casino
and Hotel
DETROIT, MICHIGAN

DISCOUNT ENERGY PROGRAM
If your company spends more than $500 a month in gas or electric bills then the MMA
Discount Energy Program may save your company 5 - 20% a month! MMA has partnered
with Kimball Power Company, LLC, and a purchasing agent of energy, to bring members
the Customer Choice Program. Kimball Power will work with many different suppliers to
get the best rate on energy sources for you! This purchasing program will allow your company
to substantially reduce natural gas and electric bills, with little or no up front costs. There
is no service change over or interruption during the transfer to the Kimball Power Company. If
you have any questions, please contact Kimball Power at 269.345.0440.
STAPLES BUSINESS ADVANTAGE PROGRAM
Save money on office supplies with Staples. MMA members can receive an average of 50% off the
list price on thousands of items available in the Staples Full Line Catalog and an additional 5% off the
prices in the Staples Low Price Catalog. Imagine how convenient it would be to place orders, track orders,
get a spending analysis, and much more, with just the push of a button. It’s all possible via Staples
web-based ordering system.
EDUCATION PROGRAMS
MMA offers an annual convention in mid-winter, and periodic seminars on the Tariff and related topics to
help members obtain professional continuing education.
INSURANCE PROGRAMS
MMA can help you find the lowest rates regardless of your needs. We have discounts on health insurance through
Industrial Insurance Services; contact Chuck Pomerleau, 248-524-9494. For business insurance contact Skip Howey
at Howey & Associates Insurance, 734-676-6600. For a complete listing of all insurances please see the MMA
website and Michigan Movers Directory.
FORMS
MMA members can purchase forms specific to the moving industry and the MMA Tariff. Take advantage of discounts on
items like Bills of Lading to log books.
CREDIT CARD PROGRAMS
Now you can save money on credit card processing! NDMS can provide affordable in-the-field credit card processing and
payment capture for gift cards, debit cards and other electronic payment methods. MMA members get a special discounted
rate! For more information call David Lopez at 310-359-9091 or visit www.ndmscorp.com.
TARIFF REGULATION
As an MMA member, your moving company can participate in the MPSC 4000 Tariff, which the MMA administers.
We are also available to help you file independent actions.
MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY
Each year, the MMA produces a Membership Directory for distribution to all MMA members. This directory
contains the MMA by-laws, all MMA member moving companies and our partner service providers,
upcoming MMA events, and scales located throughout Michigan.
UNEMPLOYMENT TAX AUDITS
Is your company paying too much in unemployment insurance tax to the state? Unemployment
Services Inc. (USI) can provide your company with a FREE analysis of your current unemployment
tax rate to ensure the rate is appropriate based on your company’s size and claims filed.
USI also helps fight claims and arbitrate claims for a company. To get started, fax the front page
of your unemployment Tax Rate Determination form the current year to the attention of Kent
Downey at 248- 926-8902. Please be sure to include your name and telephone number on
all correspondence. If you have any questions, please contact Kent Downey 248-926-8900.
MMA WEBSITE – www.mimovers.org
The MMA website is a great source for members. We keep members current on events,
member services, legislation and regulation, and news affecting the moving industry.